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CSCS Test for Operatives

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Below is a free CSCS Test for Operatives, also known as the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. Depending on your job role on the construction site; if you’re a labourer or bricklayer for example, you will have to take this test in order to obtain your CSCS Card. If you have a managerial role, you can practice with the CSCS Test for Managers and Professionals.

This CSCS mock test for Operatives is made up of 50 multiple choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete the test. The pass mark is 45/50. Click here to read more about the CSCS test pass mark.

Once you’re ready to start the test, click the Begin Test button. Sign up to access all the CSCS study material

CSCS Mock Test for Operatives


You have 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice CSCS Test questions for Operatives and Specialists. You need to answer at least 45 out of 50 questions correctly to pass.

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CSCS Test for Operatives Questions (Printer-Friendly)

List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. What does a permit to work allow? Give one answer
A Certain jobs to be carried out safely under more strictly controlled conditions
B Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors to visit the site
C The emergency services to come on to the site after an accident
D Untrained people to work without supervision
Correct Answer: A Certain jobs to be carried out safely under more strictly controlled conditions
2. Why is it your employer's legal responsibility to discuss matters of health and safety with you? Give one answer
A Because they must inform you of things that will protect your health and safety
B So that you will never have to attend any other health and safety training
C So that your employer will not have any legal responsibility for your health and safety
D So you do not have any responsibilities for health and safety
Correct Answer: A Because they must inform you of things that will protect your health and safety
3. A scaffold has collapsed and you saw it happen. What should you say when you are asked about the accident? Give one answer
A As little as possible because you don't want to get people into trouble
B Exactly what you saw
C Nothing, as you are not a scaffold expert
D Who you think is to blame and how they should be punished
Correct Answer: B Exactly what you saw
4. When must you record an accident in the accident book? Give one answer
A If you are injured in any way
B Only if you have suffered a broken bone
C Only if you have to be off work
D Only if you have to go to hospital
Correct Answer: A If you are injured in any way
5. If someone is injured at work, who should record it in the accident book? Give one answer
A Someone from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
B The first aider
C The injured person or someone acting for them
D The site manager
Correct Answer: C The injured person or someone acting for them
6. Where should accidents that cause any injury be recorded? Give one answer
A In the Health & Safety Executive's (HSE) accident database
B In the accident report book
C In the main contractor's diary
D In the site engineer's day book
Correct Answer: B In the accident report book
7. If you have a minor accident, who should report it? Give one answer
A A sub-contractor
B Anyone who saw the accident happen
C The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
D You
Correct Answer: D You
8. What should not be in a first-aid box? Give one answer
A Bandages
B Plasters
C Safety pins
D Tablets and medicines
Correct Answer: D Tablets and medicines
9. Someone has fallen from height and has no feeling in their legs, what should you do? Give one answer
A Ensure they stay still and don't move them until medical help arrives
B Raise their legs to see if any feeling comes back
C Roll them onto their back and keep their legs straight
D Roll them onto their side and bend their legs
Correct Answer: A Ensure they stay still and don't move them until medical help arrives
10. If someone is in contact with a live cable, what should you do first? Give one answer
A Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance
B Phone the electricity company
C Pull them away from the cable
D Switch off the power and call for help
Correct Answer: D Switch off the power and call for help
11. What should you use to clean very dirty hands? Give one answer
A Paraffin
B Soap and water
C Thinners
D White spirit
Correct Answer: B Soap and water
12. What are two ways of reducing the risk of transferring hazardous substances from your hands to your mouth? Give two answers
A Putting barrier cream on your hands before eating
B Washing your hands before eating
C Washing your work gloves then putting them on again before eating
D Wearing protective gloves then turning them inside-out before eating
E Wearing protective gloves while you are working
Correct Answer: B Washing your hands before eating, E Wearing protective gloves while you are working
13. Which of the following species of animal is the most likely carrier of Weil's disease (leptospirosis) on construction sites? Give one answer
A Mice
B Rabbits
C Rats
D Squirrels
Correct Answer: C Rats
14. How can everyone on site help keep rats away? Give one answer
A Ask the Local Authority to put down rat poison
B Only put food and drink rubbish in bins provided
C Put rat traps around the site
D Throw food scraps over the fence or hoarding
Correct Answer: B Only put food and drink rubbish in bins provided
15. Do all types of glove protect hands against chemicals? Give one answer
A No, different types of glove protect against different types of hazard
B Only if you cover the gloves with barrier cream
C Only if you put barrier cream on your hands as well
D Yes, all gloves are made to the same standard
Correct Answer: A No, different types of glove protect against different types of hazard
16. You are planning work that needs to use a power tool to cut or grind materials. Give two ways to control the dust. Give two answers
A Fit a dust extractor or collector to the machine
B Keep the area clean and tidy
C Wear a dust mask or respirator
D Wet cutting
E Work slowly and carefully
Correct Answer: A Fit a dust extractor or collector to the machine, D Wet cutting
17. What should you not do when sweeping up after drilling, cutting, sanding or grinding? Give one answer
A Dampen down the area
B Make sure there is plenty of ventilation
C Put your protective mask back on
D Work as quickly as possible to minimise exposure to dust
Correct Answer: D Work as quickly as possible to minimise exposure to dust
18. Can the damage by exposure to noise over a long period of time be reversed? Give one answer
A No, the damage is permanent
B Yes, if you change jobs
C Yes, if you have an operation
D Yes, with time
Correct Answer: A No, the damage is permanent
19. What health problem can be caused by hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)? Give one answer
A Blisters on your hands and arms
B Damaged blood vessels and nerves in your fingers and hands
C Skin cancer
D Skin irritation, like dermatitis
Correct Answer: B Damaged blood vessels and nerves in your fingers and hands
20. If you see either of these labels on a substance what should you do? Give one answer
A Do not use it as the substance is poisonous
B Find out what protection you need as the substance is harmful and could damage your health
C Use it sparingly as the substance is expensive
D Wear gloves as the substance can burn your skin
Correct Answer: B Find out what protection you need as the substance is harmful and could damage your health
21. What is the main reason for ensuring safe manual handling techniques in the workplace? Give one answer
A To be prepared for safety inspections
B To complete the job quickly
C To prevent personal injury
D To satisfy the client's requirements
Correct Answer: C To prevent personal injury
22. You are using a trolley to move a heavy load a long distance but a wheel comes off. What should you do? Give one answer
A Ask someone to help you pull the trolley the rest of the way
B Carry the load the rest of the way
C Drag the trolley on your own the rest of the way
D Find another way to move the load
Correct Answer: D Find another way to move the load
23. You need to lift a load that is not heavy, but it is so big that you cannot see in front of you. What should you do? Give one answer
A Ask someone to help carry the load so that you can both see ahead
B Get someone to walk in front of you and tell others to get out of the way
C Get someone to walk next to you and give directions
D Move the load on your own because it is so large that anyone in your way is sure to see it
Correct Answer: A Ask someone to help carry the load so that you can both see ahead
24. You have to get something from the back of a van but it's too far inside to handle. What should you do? Give one answer
A Clear a path inside the van so you can get a good grip on it
B Drag it closer, then lift it
C Lean over slightly while moving it closer
D Leave it in the back of the van
Correct Answer: A Clear a path inside the van so you can get a good grip on it
25. What does this sign mean? Give one answer
A Caution - poor lighting
B Safety glasses cleaning station
C Warning - bright lights or lasers
D You must wear safety eye protection
Correct Answer: D You must wear safety eye protection
26. What does this sign mean? Give one answer
A Dispose of substance or contents by burning
B Warning - substance or contents are flammable (can catch fire easily)
C Warning - substance or contents are harmful
D Warning - substance or contents could explode
Correct Answer: B Warning - substance or contents are flammable (can catch fire easily)
27. What does this sign mean? Give one answer
A Flashing lights ahead
B Radioactive area
C Warning - explosive substance
D Warning - laser beams
Correct Answer: D Warning - laser beams
28. How would you expect to find out the location of the fire assembly point? Give one answer
A By reading your employer's health and safety policy
B During a visit by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
C During site induction
D Your colleagues will tell you
Correct Answer: C During site induction
29. Where should you go if you hear the fire alarm? Give one answer
A To the assembly point
B To the site canteen
C To the site office
D To the site welfare facilities
Correct Answer: A To the assembly point
30. A foam extinguisher, identified by a cream band, should not be used on what two types of fire? Give two answers
A Electrical fires
B Flammable liquids (fuel, oil, varnish, paints, etc.)
C Metal and molten metal
D Solid material fires
E Wood, paper and textile fires
Correct Answer: A Electrical fires, C Metal and molten metal
31. Which two extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires? Give two answers
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: C , D
32. What should you do if an extension cable has a cut in its outer cover? Give one answer
A Check the copper wires aren't showing in the cut and then use the cable
B Put a bigger fuse in the cable plug
C Put electrical tape around the damaged part
D Report the fault and make sure no-one else uses the cable
Correct Answer: D Report the fault and make sure no-one else uses the cable
33. What are the two main functions of the guards on cutting and grinding machines? Give two answers
A To balance the machine
B To give you a firm handhold
C To stop fragments flying into the air
D To stop materials getting onto the blade or wheel
E To stop you coming into contact with the blade or wheel
Correct Answer: C To stop fragments flying into the air, E To stop you coming into contact with the blade or wheel
34. What should you do if you need to use a power tool with a rotating blade? Give one answer
A Adjust the guard to expose just enough blade to let you do the job
B Adjust the guard to expose the maximum amount of blade
C Remove the guard but wear leather gloves to protect your hands
D Remove the guard so that you can clearly see the blade
Correct Answer: A Adjust the guard to expose just enough blade to let you do the job
35. Which of the following statements about power tools is true? Give one answer
A Always carry the tool by its cord
B Always leave the tool plugged in when you check or adjust it
C Always unplug the tool by pulling its cord
D Always unplug the tool when you are not using it
Correct Answer: D Always unplug the tool when you are not using it
36. You have been asked to dig to expose power cables. You have been given a cable avoiding tool (CAT) to detect them but you haven't been shown how to use it. What should you do ? Give one answer
A Ask a colleague to show you how to use it
B Dig the hole without it
C Read the manual before you start work
D Tell your supervisor you haven't been trained
Correct Answer: D Tell your supervisor you haven't been trained
37. When you walk across the site, what is the best way to avoid an accident with mobile plant? Give one answer
A Get the attention of the driver before you get too close
B Keep to the designated pedestrian routes
C Ride on the plant
D Wear hi-vis clothing
Correct Answer: B Keep to the designated pedestrian routes
38. You are walking across the site. A large mobile crane reverses across your path. What should you do? Give one answer
A Help the driver to reverse
B Pass close to the front of the crane
C Start to run so that you can pass behind the reversing crane
D Wait or find another way around the crane
Correct Answer: D Wait or find another way around the crane
39. When can a mobile plant operator let people ride in, or on the machine? Give one answer
A As long as the site speed limit is not exceeded
B Only if it is designed to carry passengers and has a designated seat
C Only if the cab door is shut
D Only if they have a long way to walk
Correct Answer: B Only if it is designed to carry passengers and has a designated seat
40. Which document must be supplied when an item of lifting equipment is delivered? Give one answer
A A delivery note
B A hazardous information sheet
C A repair or damage information sheet
D A report of thorough examination
Correct Answer: D A report of thorough examination
41. What should you do if you find a ladder that is damaged? Give one answer
A Don't use it and make sure that others know about the damage
B Don't use it and report the damage at the end of your shift
C Try to mend the damage
D Use the ladder if you can avoid the damaged part
Correct Answer: A Don't use it and make sure that others know about the damage
42. What is the best way to stop people falling through voids, holes or fragile roof panels? Give one answer
A Cover them with netting
B Mark the areas with red and white tape
C Tell everyone where the dangerous areas are
D Use secure covers that can take the weight of a person and add warning signage
Correct Answer: D Use secure covers that can take the weight of a person and add warning signage
43. What is the safest way to get into and out of a deep excavation? Give one answer
A Climb down the shoring
B Go down in an excavator bucket
C Use a fixed staircase
D Use the buried services as steps
Correct Answer: C Use a fixed staircase
44. What is the main reason for having a person positioned immediately outside a confined space whilst work is taking place inside it? Give one answer
A To carry out a risk assessment for the work
B To check compliance with the method statement
C To start the rescue plan if there is an emergency
D To supervise the work inside the confined space
Correct Answer: C To start the rescue plan if there is an emergency
45. What might happen if the level of oxygen drops below 8% in a confined space? Give one answer
A There is a high risk of fire or explosion
B You could become unconscious
C You might get dehydrated
D Your hearing could be affected
Correct Answer: B You could become unconscious
46. You are in a deep trench and start to feel dizzy. What should you do? Give one answer
A Carry on working and hope that the feeling will go away
B Get out, let your head clear and then go back in again
C Make sure that you and any others get out quickly and report it
D Sit down in the trench and take a rest
Correct Answer: C Make sure that you and any others get out quickly and report it
47. According to the guidance on underground service pipes, what does a yellow service pipe carry? Give one answer
A Electricity
B Gas
C Telecoms
D Water
Correct Answer: B Gas
48. Which two actions could help minimise waste? Give two answers
A Always take much more than required - just in case you need it
B Leave bags of cement and plaster out in the rain, unprotected
C Only take or open what you need and return or reseal anything left over
D Re-use off-cuts (such as half bricks) as far as possible, rather than discarding them
E Use new materials at the beginning of each day
Correct Answer: C Only take or open what you need and return or reseal anything left over, D Re-use off-cuts (such as half bricks) as far as possible, rather than discarding them
49. Which of the following should be disposed of as hazardous waste? Give one answer
A Damaged hard hat
B Glass fibre insulation
C Part full tins of oil-based paint
D Softwood timber off-cuts
Correct Answer: C Part full tins of oil-based paint
50. You would like to store a pallet of bricks in a space under a tree, what should you do? Give one answer
A Do not place them there, as compaction of the soil over the roots can damage the tree
B Only place them there if they will not be damaged by passing vehicles
C Only place them there if you can avoid damaging your vehicle or branches
D Place them there as they will not be in the way
Correct Answer: A Do not place them there, as compaction of the soil over the roots can damage the tree